After the successful opening of 60 tiny homes in downtown Kelowna, B.C., a second transitional housing site called Trailside has been completed. Operated by Turning Points Collaborative Society, the site is located between the Okanagan Rail Trail and Highway 97 and will provide housing for 60 individuals experiencing homelessness who are 55 and over or have physical disabilities. Many of the residents currently live in shelters, vehicles, or on the streets. The facility includes individual rooms equipped with furniture, a kitchen, dining room, and life skills programming. Licensed practical nurses and care aides will be on-site to assist residents with self-care plans, with the goal of helping them secure more permanent housing in the future.
The transitional housing project is a partnership between the City of Kelowna and B.C. Housing, aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness in the community. Despite concerns from nearby business operators about potential problems with the new housing site, the operator of Trailside assures that the area will be staffed 24-7 and anticipates no issues. The facility expects residents to be good neighbors and emphasizes that those being served are good people. The project is intended to provide a stepping stone for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering them a safe and stable environment with access to community services and support.
With the success of Trailside and the positive impact it is expected to have on residents, the city is planning a third location for similar transitional housing. While the specifics of the new site have not yet been announced, the city and its partners are committed to continuing their efforts to address homelessness in the community. Turning Points Collaborative Society has a track record of operating successful programs and being good neighbors, reassuring the public and nearby businesses that the new housing sites will be well-managed and beneficial to the community.
One of the key goals of Trailside and similar transitional housing projects is to assist individuals in securing more permanent living situations. Residents are expected to stay in the facility for anywhere from three months to two years, during which time they will receive support in developing essential life skills and connecting with community resources. The availability of licensed practical nurses and care aides on-site will further aid residents in their journey towards independence and stability. The facility also plans to provide two meals a day and offer various programming to help residents gain the skills they need to maintain long-term housing.
It is evident that the issue of homelessness in Kelowna is a pressing concern, with individuals of all ages and backgrounds facing housing insecurity. The completion of Trailside and the planned expansion of transitional housing demonstrate the commitment of the city and its partners to address this issue comprehensively. By providing safe and supportive housing options for those in need, the community can work towards reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and ensuring that everyone has access to stable and secure housing. With ongoing support and collaboration from key stakeholders, such as Turning Points Collaborative Society and B.C. Housing, Kelowna is taking meaningful steps towards creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all residents.
